Recreation Specialist - Culinary Skills (61932)

The Recreation Specialist (Culinary Skills) on the Community Connections team at Aurora Mental Health & Recovery (AMHR) will work with a multidisciplinary team to develop and support clients in their leisure and recreation skills while encouraging clients to try new experiences and develop a perception of accomplishment. The ideal candidate has excellent communication skills with the understanding of intercultural communications. They will have the ability to work with community partners, with independence and creativity, while also demonstrating the ability to problem-solve and be flexible. They will also be proficient using Microsoft Office programs and internet-based computer programs. This candidate will have specialized knowledge of education and support services for assisting clients with engaging in recreational activities.

Schedule. This position is fully Onsite/In-person. The schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.   

Salary for this role. Starting wage is based on experience and company equity. Paid bi-weekly.

• $20.04 - $30.05 hourly

About you.

The ideal candidate has excellent communication skills with the comprehension of intercultural communications. They will have the ability to work with community partners, with independence and creativity, while also demonstrating the ability to problem-solve and be flexible. They will also be proficient using Microsoft Office programs and internet-based computer programs. This candidate will have specialized knowledge of education and support services for assisting clients with engaging in recreational activities.

Essential Functions:

• Teach clients life skills to improve their mental and physical health.
• Support mindfulness practices through skill development with food preparation and eating.
• Help clients develop appropriate social skills.
• Manage schedule of cooking classes for clients.
• Teach proper cooking techniques, kitchen equipment safety procedures, and kitchen etiquette as vocational skills.
• Facilitate the preparation and cooking of light Café meals by following recipes and adhering to special dietary requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen (including washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and taking out the trash).
• Assist with ordering supplies and ingredients while also keeping track of inventory needs.
• Plan and implement kitchen associated activities.
• Provide individualized coaching of skills in small and medium sized groups.
• Be a resource guide for clients to access.
• Ensure clients engage. Encourage clients to try new experiences.
• Encourage clients to become involved in the community by learning valuable and marketable skills.
• Promote a positive environment to help clients feel safe to experience new situations.
• Provide specialized knowledge of education and support services for assisting clients to engage in recreation activities.
• Interact with other agencies to create a pathway for client access to community and cultural events.
• Staff member will complete needed care coordination tasks for their assigned role.

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Social Science is required.
• Previous experience as a cook or chef is required.  Previous experience working in a mental health setting is required.  
• Valid Colorado Driver's License with a driving record that meets organization's requirements.
• Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
• Familiarity with sanitation regulations.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure.
• Passionate about working with the population diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Passionate about promoting mental health and wellbeing through healthy mindfulness approach to food.
• Ability to work with community partners and navigate relationships.

Required Vaccination and TB Test. 

At AMHR the health and safety of our clients and staff are our top priorities. As part of this commitment, all employees are required to receive an annual influenza (flu) shot and present a negative TB test result before their first day of work. Proof of both the flu shot and negative TB test must be provided on your first day of employment. Medical and religious exemptions can be requested if necessary. 

Benefits: 

• Health insurance: Kaiser
• Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (dependent care & health care)
• Company paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability coverage*
• 403(b) retirement plan which provides 100% vesting immediately, and matching contributions up to 4% after one year of employment
• Accrued Vacation pay up to 12 days and accrued Sick Pay up to 12 days per year, plus 10 Paid Company Holidays, and 2 floating holidays (hours calculated pro-rata basis based on full-time equivalency)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary term life insurance
• Short term disability*

*Eligible for benefit if working 30 hours per week or more

Our Mission, Vision and Core Values.

Mission: Deeply rooted in our diverse community, we deliver state-of-the-art care and meaningful outcomes that impact emotional well-being and addiction recovery.

Vision: To foster hope and healing through compassionate, quality care.

Core Values: Passionate caring; Rising to the challenge; Honoring and respecting all persons; Believing in resilience; Putting clients and community first; Commitment to collaboration and teamwork

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Aurora Mental Health & Recovery and subsidiaries (AMHR) are dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. We do not tolerate discrimination in any form or context including harassment or exclusion.

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Salary : $20 - $30